A nurse is caring for a client following a stroke. The client has right-sided weakness and facial drooping. Which of the following nursing actions is the priority?

A. Change the client's position every 2 hr: Repositioning helps prevent skin breakdown and promotes circulation, which is important for stroke clients. However, it does not address the most immediate risk associated with right-sided weakness and facial drooping. B. Place the client's right hand in a supination position: Proper positioning of the affected extremities prevents contractures and maintains joint alignment. While necessary for long-term care, it is not the highest priority in the immediate post-stroke period. C. Maintain NPO status for the client: Right-sided weakness and facial drooping indicate potential dysphagia, placing the client at high risk for aspiration. Maintaining NPO status until a swallowing assessment is completed is the priority to prevent aspiration pneumonia, which is a life-threatening complication. D. Perform range-of-motion exercises to the client's extremities: Range-of-motion exercises prevent contractures and maintain mobility. While important, this intervention is secondary to ensuring the client’s airway safety and preventing aspiration.